Germany has set itself ambitious goals for climate protection in its buildings, with the building stock expected to be almost climate-neutral by 2050. This will require extensive refurbishment of almost all residential and commercial properties.

Currently, however, efficiency measures are stagnating and the existing investment potential remains to be fully unlocked. Other countries, such as Sweden , have had significantly more success in this respect. A different, and consistent, policy is needed if Germany’s transition to climate-friendly energy levels is to be achieved in the building sector. While informational tools, and particularly the current energy performance certificates, need to be improved, reforms are also necessary in the way advice is given and energy-saving is promoted. Past moves, such as unsuccessful attempts to introduce tax subsidies, have only served to contribute to the wait-and-see attitude of recent years. People concerned can make no sense of the current patchwork of confusing funding programs and strict specifications. The policy most likely to lead to a successful implementation of the energy transition in the building sector is a unitary support programme in combination with the greatest possible technological openness.